“They are both brand new to the sport. They are learning the ropes, but they are getting there. They are taking the bumps and the bruises this year, but when it comes time next year for this, they are going to be stepping it up.”

Marshall’s Michael McCampbell (112) and Rock Bridge’s Erin Slate (171) further displayed the uneven matches in the dual by earning major decisions.

Off to a slow start, the Bruins split the first eight matches and trailed 20-16 but finished with Wilson and Hardesty’s pins.

“(They were) a little stagnant in the beginning, but they picked it up as they went along,” Kopnisky said. “I think they saw their teammates not reacting and they knew they had to pick it up as well.”

This week is finals week at Rock Bridge, and Kopnisky can see its effects in his wrestlers.

“I can see some of these guys dragging a little bit, but they have got to wrestle through it,” Kopnisky said.

The closest match was at 160, which Rock Bridge’s Will Martin won 3-1 in overtime.

Marshall forfeits at 103, 119 and 125 gave the Bruins an easy 18 points.

“It’s part of the game; you have got to fill the spots,” Kopnisky said.